Verizon has already started cutting down on tethering by removing apps from the Android Market, but today they took a much bigger step by releasing an update for the HTC Thunderbolt that blocks it from unauthorized tethering. Similar updates for the Droid Charge and the LG Revolution are expected. You can choose to not download the update, though it does fix other issues, like intermittent rebooting, and it would also mean you'd have to give up Gingerbread support down the line. If you want to have your cake and eat it too, the best thing you can do is root your phone and flash a custom ROM that keeps tethering intact. Thanks a lot, Verizon. So much for all that "open" talk. [DSL Reports via Techdirt]